Madrid to Host Formula 1 Grand Prix Again After 45-Year Absence

The wait is over: Madrid is set to welcome back Formula 1 in 2026, 45 years after its last Grand Prix. The agreement, signed between F1 and IFEMA MADRID, ensures the race will remain in the Spanish capital until 2035, establishing Madrid as a new global hub for motorsport.

The official announcement took place at a major event led by Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, alongside José Vicente de los Mozos, President of the Executive Committee of IFEMA MADRID. The event was also attended by Isabel Díaz Ayuso, President of the Community of Madrid and Chair of IFEMA MADRID’s Governing Board, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, Mayor of Madrid, and Ángel Asensio, President of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

This milestone marks a historic boost for Madrid as it prepares to deliver a world-class event featuring an innovative circuit designed to provide a unique experience for fans.

A Circuit Designed for Spectacle

The new Madrid circuit will feature a 5.474 km layout, with 20 corners and an estimated qualifying lap time of 1 minute and 32 seconds. It will be a semi-permanent track, incorporating IFEMA MADRID’s existing roadways along with just 1.5 km of public roads, ensuring a modern and technically challenging design worthy of the F1 calendar.

The circuit concept, developed by Dromo, a renowned motorsport circuit design firm, is currently pending FIA homologation. However, it promises to be a benchmark in Formula 1, seamlessly blending sport, entertainment, and sustainability.

State-of-the-Art Facilities for an Unparalleled Experience

Madrid will not only provide a top-tier racing circuit but also a groundbreaking infrastructure never seen before in Formula 1. IFEMA MADRID will offer more than 200,000 m² of covered exhibition halls, 10,000 m² of multipurpose event spaces, and 10,000 parking spaces, ensuring optimal conditions for teams, drivers, and fans alike.

The venue will also house the team garages and motorhomes, as well as the paddock and exclusive VIP areas, bringing a new level of luxury and convenience to the Grand Prix experience.

Unprecedented Economic and Social Impact

The Madrid Grand Prix will be much more than just a race. According to a study by Deloitte, the event is expected to generate €450 million in annual revenue and create more than 8,200 direct and indirect jobs. Additionally, it is projected to attract over 85,000 tourists each year, further enhancing Madrid’s international reputation as a premier sporting destination.

With a global audience of 1.55 billion viewers, the race will firmly establish Madrid as one of the key motorsport capitals of the world.

Accessibility and Sustainability at the Core of the Project

Madrid aims to set a new standard with a sustainable and accessible Grand Prix. The event will be entirely privately funded, ensuring its long-term economic viability. Moreover, it will exceed Formula 1’s sustainability requirements, with a commitment to achieving carbon neutrality.

One of the standout features of this project is its strategic location. The Madrid Grand Prix will be the best-connected race on the calendar, thanks to its proximity to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (just five minutes away) and its integration into a highly efficient public transport network. It is estimated that 90% of spectators will arrive by metro, train, or bus, significantly reducing the event’s environmental impact.

Madrid Joins the Elite of Formula 1

With this agreement, Madrid joins the select group of cities privileged to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, reaffirming its status as a global hub for sport and entertainment.

Local authorities have hailed this milestone as a key step in the city's transformation and modernisation. Isabel Díaz Ayuso highlighted that the event is expected to increase Madrid’s GDP by €4.5 billion, while José Luis Martínez-Almeida stated that the Grand Prix will help propel Madrid into the future.

45 Years Since Madrid Last Hosted F1

Formula 1 is returning to Madrid after a 45-year absence. The last time the pinnacle of motorsport visited the Spanish capital was on 21 June 1981, when the Circuito del Jarama hosted its final F1 race. The Grand Prix was won by Gilles Villeneuve, in what would be his last F1 victory before his tragic accident at Zolder.

That race is still remembered as one of the most thrilling in F1 history, with five drivers—Villeneuve, Jacques Laffite, John Watson, Carlos Reutemann, and Elio De Angelis—crossing the finish line separated by just 1.24 seconds.

Now, Madrid looks ahead to the future with a bold vision that will merge sport and entertainment, creating an unforgettable experience for fans and a new benchmark in Formula 1.